Mentoring Plus Girls’ Group has been awarded £10,000 by members of Bath Women’s Fund to support its work and help set up new groups in three local schools.
“The Bath Women’s Fund want more girls to experience supporting each other, to meet inspirational women and to be heard,” explained Ruth Keily, Executive Director of Mentoring Plus. “The aim of this is for the girls of the world to realise their potential and find their voice, starting in their own communities.”
Bath Women’s Fund members pool the donations it receives each year to achieve a greater impact together through these grants. Over 40 pioneering women joined the giving circle in its first year and invited local organisations to apply for the £10,000 grant to support work that improves the lives of disadvantaged women and girls living in Bath and North East Somerset.
The Fund’s members then met virtually on 15 July for their first Grants Award Evening, compered by BBC reporter/presenter Ali Vowles. The event saw three local charity finalist – Julian House, Mentoring Plus and SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape & Sexual Abuse Support) – presenting their projects and answering questions from Bath Women’s Fund members, with a view to receiving the £10,000 grant. Each member has one vote to choose the charity to receive the main grant and Mentoring Plus won the most votes in a close contest.
While the Mentoring Plus Girls’ Group received the £10,000 grant, Julian House and SARSAS each received a £1,000 appreciation award in recognition of their work and the time taken to apply and present to Bath Women’s Fund.
Bath Women’s Fund is led by volunteers and hosted by St John’s Foundation so every pound donated by members will be awarded through the grant programmes. Information about events and how to join are available on www.bathwomensfund.org.uk